Introduction: Pumpkin Tie Dye Shirt

About: I'm a lifetime crafter here to share my love of all things crafts and DIYs. I have a crafting blog (https://www.abcrafty.com) and YouTube channel (youtube.com/abcrafty)

Learn how to make a tie dye pumpkin design on a shirt. Celebrate fall or Halloween with this unique pumpkin tie dye design.

Use the free printable tie dye template to make this and other Halloween tie dye shirts.

Supplies

  • Pumpkin tie dye template
  • 1 White Cotton Shirt
  • Washable Markers Orange and Green
  • 1 Needle and Thread
  • Rubber Bands or Zip Ties
  • 1 Small Clamp or Clothespin
  • Tie Dye Kit or Tie-Dye Dye and Soda Ash
  • Water
  • 1 pair Rubber Gloves
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Paper Towels

Step 1: Draw Pumpkin Outline

Fold the shirt in half and draw half of a pumpkin using an orange washable marker (use this free printable template to make the design). Start with the outside outline.

Then if you want your pumpkin to have more details, add the stripes connecting the top and bottom.

Then use a green washable marker to draw the stem.

Step 2: Sew Outline

Use a needle and orange thread to sew a running stitch along the outline of the pumpkin. Do the same thing for the stripes.

Step 3: Pull and Tie Threads

Wet the shirt and squeeze out the excess.

Then gently pull on the threads to create folds in the fabric. Then tie the threads.

Repeat this for each thread.

For the pumpkin outline, I recommend pulling from each side instead of just one side to make sure the thread doesn't break.

Step 4: Clamp Stem

Fold the stem along the line and use a clamp to hold it in place.

Step 5: Tie the Rest of the Shirt

Crumple, twist, and scrunch the rest of the shirt however you would like. Then secure it with rubber bands or zip ties.

Step 6: Soak in Soda Ash

Mix 1 cup soda ash with 1 gallon of water and let the shirt soak in it for at least 20 minutes.

Step 7: Add Orange Dye

Cover your surface with plastic wrap.

Then, using a spoon, eye dropper, or squeeze bottle, add orange dye to the pumpkin section of the shirt. Be sure to fully saturate it and add dye to both sides.

Make sure the orange dye doesn't go into the stem area.

Step 8: Add Green Dye

Add green dye to the sectioned off section for the stem.

Step 9: Add Black Dye

Add black dye to the rest of the shirt. Be sure to not get the black on the orange and green sections. Use paper towels to wipe up the area.

Step 10: Wrap and Set

Wrap it in the plastic wrap and leave it to set for at least 6 hours. It's best if it's 24 hours.

Step 11: Rinse, Wash, and Dry

Rinse it in the sink until the water runs clear. Then throw it in the washing machine and dryer. Now your tie dye pumpkin shirt is ready to wear!